June 23, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 26, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, June 22: Pakistan shuttlers are to play a series of matches with the Indian and Iranian teams in Islamabad from June 29 to July 1, it was announced on Thursday.

Saiyed Mohib Asad, president of the Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) told a press conference that the matches against the visiting sides would be friendly fixtures.

An invitation tournament after the series will also be organised featuring all three teams. The event which runs from July 2 to 4 will be contested in men's singles and doubles.

Mohib said that hosting the tournaments formed part of Pakistan's preparations for this year's South Asian Games. “We are aiming to improve upon our performance of the last edition.”

The national shuttlers won a silver and five bronze medals then.

The trials to select the Pakistan team were to take place at the Rodham Hall here from June 22 to 25 while on the juniors front, an under-19 team comprising three boys and as many girls is to compete in the Asian Junior Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

Mohib pointed out that it was the first time that a junior team was being sent abroad. “I am hopeful that two or three of these players will make the senior ranks in a year or two.”

The tournament in Malaysia for which Saleem Farooqi has been named the manager of the team is to be held from July 3 to 9.

Saying that the PBF was giving great importance to the juniors, Mohib disclosed that an under-16 Iranian team will visit Pakistan this September. The national juniors will then pay a return visit early next year.

The Pakistan team for the Aug 17-26 South Asian Games in Colombo will have eight men's players and as many women.

The PBF chief also declared proudly that Pakistan had leap-frogged from 120 to 35 in the men's badminton rankings.

The federation he said was doing its best to cope with the rising costs of shuttles and other gear. “As a result of the recent bird flu, the price of shuttles has gone up tremendously.”

But Mohib said that the PBF was fortunate that the Pakistan Sports Board, the Olympic association and the Pakistan Sports Trust were extending a helping hand to them.